ringtail

noun ring·tail \ ˈriŋ-ˌtāl \

Updated on: 13 Apr 2018

Definition of ringtail

1 : raccoon

2 : a carnivore (Bassariscus astutus) of the western U.S. and Mexico that is related to and resembles the raccoon — called also cacomistle, civet cat, ringtail cat, ringtailed cat

3 : capuchin 3

Recent Examples of ringtail from the Web

The young biologist had watched the eaglets through a scope from across the water for weeks as the birds' parents brought them striped bass, channel catfish and what looked like a ringtail.

— brandon loomis, azcentral, "For Arizona's once-dwindling bald eagle population, recovery starts in the nest," 1 Apr. 2018
This led to several unexpected discoveries: First, that the ringtail and the ruffed lemurs, who both eat fruit and vegetables, had the same metabolic pathways.

— kat eschner, Smithsonian, "What Lemur Guts Can Tell Us About Human Bowel Disease," 12 Dec. 2017
Animals found on Ubirr's walls include barramundi (Asian sea bass), catfish, mullet, goannas (Australian monitor lizard), long-necked turtles, pig-nosed turtles, rock ringtail possums and wallabies.

— Smithsonian, "Learn more about Aboriginal Rock Art in the Northern Territory.," 7 Apr. 2017
Forest Road 4750 (Calf Creek Road) and Forest Road 2800620 (Ringtail-Oakie Loop Road) are closed south of Highway 138 between Dry Creek and Toketee.

— OregonLive.com, "Wildfires rage as cooler temperatures arrive," 13 Aug. 2017
Animals found on Ubirr's walls include barramundi (Asian sea bass), catfish, mullet, goannas (Australian monitor lizard), long-necked turtles, pig-nosed turtles, rock ringtail possums and wallabies.

— Smithsonian, "Learn more about Aboriginal Rock Art in the Northern Territory.," 7 Apr. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'ringtail.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.